On November 24, the White House launched a new Energy Division in the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Led by two scientists, the OSTP Energy Division is tasked with developing national clean energy plans and achieving the administration’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Energy Division will also help implement the $21.5 billion energy provisions in the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58). On December 8, President Biden signed an Executive Order requiring that the federal government achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Counties support federal funding, economic, fiscal and practical awards for counties and businesses to meet objectives that contribute to reducing atmospheric carbon emissions and adapt to reduce atmospheric carbon emissions and adapt climate change.

The administration laid out much of its plan to achieve environmental goals in Executive Order 14008, including reviewing federal regulations and establishing a White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy. Additionally, the administration aims to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas pollution by 50–52 percent from 2005 levels by 2030.

Local governments play a crucial role in responding to climate change and reducing national emissions levels. Many counties engage and partner with local utilities in energy planning, including utility-scale renewable energy projects, key regulatory issues, grid modernization and storage and energy assurance strategies. While counties support climate change initiatives, these programs and policies must not create unfunded mandates or preemptions on counties and their local economies. NACo urges our federal partners to work closely with counties on new initiatives, such as those developed by the OSTP Energy Division. We will continue to monitor developments as the new office's agenda is shaped.